Grandmaster Dano Meadows

In 1965, Dan “Dano” Meadows began his martial arts studies under GGM Ohn Ta’ Ji of Lao Shan China. GGM Ohn traveled to the USA, via Hawaii, and then on to the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina, where Dano Meadows started his training into the Kenpokido Fighting Arts System. Also in 1965, he studied with Kyoshi G. Williams Jr. in the martial arts of Shito Ryu Karate, and Kobudo.

“During the early years, the training’s were very intense, and a heck of a lot more brutal, than what classes are like today”. “Of course, it was that way, with most of the martial arts being taught around the world, in those early years”.

Training in multiple styles, and martial arts systems at the same time was difficult, and took a lot of practice and patience, in order to maintain such rigid training schedules, and belt requirement standards. The payoff was not so much what one learned in their arts, but what a student experienced in their trainings, with these great masters of the arts… Their lesson’s, were lessons that extended way beyond the matwork, and beyond the respective training halls. These were life’s lessons! I was often used as the assistant or “Uke” for many of these Masters over the years. The knowledge gained from being placed into such a prestigious position, goes unmatched…

The Kenpokido Arts was a martial arts system that had many cultural and societal influences. (Chinese, Japanese, Hawaiian, & Western Cultures). Their training methods are noted to have changed with the times, evolved, and adapted where needed, and even today, we adapt our training classes into that of our societies ever changing needs for self-protection, and self-preservation. The Kenpokido Fighting Arts Systems motto – is to “SURVIVE THE THREAT”, so in our classes, we continue to teach this motto to all of our students, on a daily basis. Our slogan is “Kenpokido – Self Defense For The Real World!” By keeping the realism in training, a practitioner learns how to keep their survival edge!

In 1976, I started training with Dr. I. Schovenea in the Judo & Jiu Jitsu arts.

In 1978, I further broadened my studies of the martial arts with Sr. Master C. Armstrong in the American Kenpo Karate system.

And in 1980, I met Prof. Harold R. Laranang Sr. of the Kajukenfu Kenpo / Kajukenbo systems. Prof. Laranang Sr. taught the Kenpo Arts, the KEA Filipino Arts, Iaido & Kenjutsu, and the Sports Martial Arts-Competitive training. I later became the highest-ranking “Chief Instructor” for the KBKK system, under Professor Laranang Sr..

I have always maintained my trainings and connections to all of my masters over the years. I would return to the Headquarters (Hombu) studios, as my travels would allow, this, in order to continue my training knowledge with my Senior Instructors, Masters, Professors, and Grandmasters of the arts.

While in the military, I was named as one of the US Army’s Top Soldier-Athletes. I also traveled for the US Gov’t teaching CQC to the Special Forces units, US Army Rangers, US Marines, and for special US Diplomatic Security Details.

After my military career ended, I went into a Law Enforcement career, becoming a highly decorated officer and detective. Later, I went on to become a Law Enforcement Trainer- Instructor for several Law Enforcement Agencies. My “Use of Force / Defensive Tactics” classes were attended by Law Enforcement Agencies from around the world (International “SWAT” Teams, Police Chiefs & Sheriffs, Department Training Instructors, Riot Teams, and other Law Enforcement Trainers). In addition, I worked as an Entertainment Security Consultant, and Bodyguard for Celebrities, and Corporate Executives.

For years I also held an impressive (Karate, Sports Karate, Full Contact Kickboxing, KEA) competitive “wins” record, capturing many local, regional, national, international, and world championship titles.

Over the years, both time and events have changed the course of our lives. We grow older, make new friends, and sometimes sever old relationships… “As with many of us, we often ask, where have all of the great masters gone”? What will become of their systems, their teachings, and their students, when they have left this world? Sadness often fills the training halls of life. And mine are no exception. “In 1996, with great sadness, the world and I both lost a great martial arts master, and a true friend, (Prof. Harold Laranang Sr.) of the KBKK system. His great legacy will continue to live on, through his many students”.

In March of 2000, sadness filled the training halls once again. Due to his ill health (Cancer), and his inability to continue his teachings and his love for the art he had created, GGM Ohn promoted his highest-ranking student, and senior technical advisor (Dano Meadows), to the rank of Grand Master, of the Kenpokido Fighting Arts System. Shortly thereafter, another great pioneer of the martial arts world would pass away. In March of 2000, GGM Ohn Ta’ Ji passed away. He was just 84 years young. His memory, teachings, love for the martial arts, and his legacy, will be continued on for generations to come.

SGM Meadows now travels as an International Seminar Instructor, teaching military, law enforcement, security personnel, bodyguards, and martial artists worldwide. In addition, SGM Meadows sits on a number of Martial Arts Standards, Technical Advisory, and Promotion Boards around the world. SGM Meadows is an International Tournament Promoter, HMAIS Exec. Board Member.